Immediate and persisting effect of toluene chronic exposure on hippocampal cell loss in adolescent and adult rats.

Abuse of toluene-containing volatile inhalants has become widespread among adolescents. Besides, because toluene is usually used as an industrial solvent in manufacturing of chemical pharmaceuticals and multiple commonly used household and commercial products, it has high potential for abuse for adults also. Long-term exposure to toluene vapor has a severe impact on the central nervous system, resulting in numerous neurological, neurobiological and behavioral impairments.